Barclays officially launched its private bank booking centre in Singapore on September 4, 2026, marking a key step in its international expansion strategy focused on Asia-Pacific wealth management [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. This new centre provides local booking capabilities linked to Barclays’ global network, offering clients access to an integrated suite of banking, lending, investment, and wealth planning services [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Singapore is regarded as a pivotal global wealth hub and a strategic base for Barclays’ private banking growth across the Asia-Pacific region [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Alexander Harrison, Singapore country CEO and interim head of the Singapore Private Bank, said, "Singapore continues to play a pivotal role in the global wealth landscape. The launch of our booking centre reflects Barclays' long-term commitment to the market and our ambition to serve increasingly international client needs" [1, 2].
Barclays exited the wealth management business in Singapore and Hong Kong in 2016 after selling its private banking units to Bank of Singapore [2, 3]. Since then, Singapore-based clients had relied on Barclays’ London booking centre until now [3]. The decision to re-enter the market was announced in late 2024 with plans to open the centre by 2026 [2, 3].
Sasha Wiggins, chief executive of Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, highlighted Singapore's importance: "Singapore is one of the world’s leading wealth hubs, and this investment strengthens our ability to serve internationally connected clients while reinforcing our long-term commitment to Asia-Pacific" [2, 3].
The Asia-Pacific region's private client assets are projected to grow from US$107.2 trillion in 2024 to about US$154.3 trillion by 2030, driven by wealth from pensions, sovereign funds, high-net-worth individuals, and mass affluent clients [1]. Chinese reports also predict US$5.8 trillion (approx. 23 trillion Malaysian ringgit) of wealth transfers between generations by 2030 [4, 5]. Barclays aims to more than double its banker headcount in Singapore by 2030 to support this growth [1].
Clients in the region increasingly seek wealth services offering connectivity across markets and asset classes with advice tailored to complex personal and family interests. Barclays noted that clients want "closer connections across markets, asset classes and jurisdictions, alongside advice that reflects the complexity of their personal, business and family interests" [4].
Evonne Tan, the previous head of Barclays private banking in Singapore, left early this year to join Schroders’ Asia wealth management business [2, 3]. Alexander Harrison currently leads the Singapore operations on an interim basis [1, 2, 3].
The opening of the Singapore booking centre positions Barclays to closely serve a growing base of wealthy clients in the region while supporting its global wealth management network. Barclays plans to expand its local team significantly by 2030 to capture Asia-Pacific’s expanding private wealth market [1].
